On Sunday, about 50 new arrivals took part in Orange City Council welcome lunch at the Orange Botanic Gardens.

Orange councillor Ron Gander said it was the sixth time council had staged the event.

“They’ve proved to be a good opportunity for families who’ve moved to Orange recently to meet some locals and others in the same boat,” he said.

Accountant Stephen Stone, who moved to Orange from North Parramatta with his wife Maya and daughter Sarah, said Orange’s “good food and wine culture” was also a factor in their decision to relocate.

While the couple tossed up moving to the Southern Highlands, it was Orange’s positive media coverage and recommendations from friends which sealed their decision.

Mrs Stone, who had previously worked in the food regulation technology sector, said the move meant she could stay home with their daughter until she went to pre-school.

“It’s lovely here, much quieter than Sydney, and you’re able to have a nice family and work balance,” she said.

“Orange is very family oriented.”

Pippy Simmons, who has previously lived in Warren, Dubbo and Scotland, said she’s slotted right in to life in Orange.

“Orange just seemed like a good place to live,” she said.

As a property valuer, Ms Simmons said she knew a little about the city already and was happy to have taken the plunge.

“I like the lifestyle, the cafes and the food and wine culture,” she said.

“I’m surprised how much is going on all the time, there’s lots of festival and sporting events.”

For retirees Geoff and Fay Lochrin, who moved from Nowra, the city’s top-notch facilities were irresistible.

“Orange has so much to offer,” Mrs Lochrin said.

The couple said they loved being able to take a daily stroll around the Orange Botanic Gardens and have already made use of the city’s medical amenities.

“Friends come over here to visit and they just love it,” Mrs Lochrin said.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au